The Disease Reference Group on Chagas Disease, Human African
Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis (DRG3) was part of an independent thinktank
of international experts established by the Special Programme for Research
and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) to identify key research priorities
through systematic review of research evidence and input from stakeholders.
These three distinct insect-borne diseases, while caused by related kinetoplastid
protozoan pathogens, have dissimilar geographical distributions a reflection of
their different insect vectors and range of vector contact with humans. The
diseases disproportionately afflict poor and remote populations with limited
access to health services; the pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood but
typically entail immunological processes.